How long does the flowering period of Freesia last?
Let me tell you about the flowering period of Freesia and the characteristics of this plant. Let's get to know more about it together.
Freesia, also known as small narcissus, is a perennial bulbous herbaceous plant and a common indoor ornamental plant. It can be appreciated in pots or used as a cut flower. Freesia flowers resemble lilies, leaves are like orchids, the color is elegant, graceful and delicate, the fragrance is rich, and the flowering period is long, making it a great ornamental plant. Next, let's introduce the flowering period of Freesia and how to deal with it after flowering?
I. The flowering period of Freesia
Freesia is a common indoor ornamental plant in winter, so its flowering period is usually in winter. Generally, Freesia is planted in autumn and will bloom in winter and spring. Of course, there are exceptions, sometimes Freesia may bloom in March to April. Overall, the flowering period of Freesia is from February to May.
When Freesia blooms, the flowering period is usually about 15 days. The flower stem or branch has a spike-shaped flower at the top, and each inflorescence opens about 5-7 flowers. After flowering, it will bear fruit.
II. Factors affecting the flowering of Freesia
Although the flowering period of Freesia is between February and May, the actual flowering time is not fixed.
The reason why the flowering period of Freesia is not fixed is mainly influenced by the planting time of Freesia, as well as the temperature and light during maintenance.
If Freesia is planted in August or September, the flowering time is usually in winter. If planted in autumn, it may bloom in winter and spring. Actually, this planting time is also affected by the region, in the northern area, Freesia can be planted in September, and in the southern area, it can be later.
The impact of temperature mainly manifests in the differentiation of flower buds, as the temperature is kept at a low temperature of 8°C to 13°C, the flower buds are more likely to differentiate. If during this period, the temperature is lower than 18°C, it will delay the flowering period, while a higher temperature can promote earlier flowering, but the plant may become weak.
The impact of light mainly refers to the duration of light. Under short-day conditions, the differentiation of Freesia flower buds will be better. After the differentiation of flower buds, long-day conditions can also promote earlier flowering.
III. How long is the flowering period of Freesia
The flowering period of Freesia is from February to May every year. When Freesia blooms, the flowering period is usually about 15 days. The flower stem or branch has a spike-shaped flower at the top, and each inflorescence opens about 5-7 flowers. After flowering, it will bear fruit.
IV. How to handle Freesia after flowering
1. Nourishing the bulb after Freesia flowers
After Freesia flowers, the first thing to do is to nourish the bulb.
After Freesia flowers, you first need to cut off the withered flowers and then enter the normal management stage. At this time, it is necessary to gradually reduce the amount of watering, keeping the soil slightly moist, and you can also apply some phosphorus or potassium fertilizer to promote the growth of the bulb, but be careful not to apply too concentrated fertilizer. The main task at this stage is to nourish the bulb. Only when the bulb is well-nourished will the next year's flowering be better.
2. Removing the bulb after Freesia flowers
Basically, after Freesia flowers and after a period of bulb nourishment, in May or June, the leaves will naturally wither. After the leaves completely wither, you can dig up the bulbs for storage.
Place the dug-up bulbs in a cool place to dry first, then wrap them in newspaper or mesh bags, and store them in a cool and ventilated place.
Why is it necessary to dig up the bulbs of Freesia for storage? Because in summer, Freesia will enter a dormant period, and digging up the bulbs for storage is the best method.
3. Replanting the Freesia bulbs
After the summer dormant period, autumn gradually arrives, and it is time to replant the Freesia bulbs.
Generally, the time to replant Freesia bulbs is around October. Although there may be some differences in various regions, it is basically around the National Day holiday, and in the northern region, planting can start in late September.
Freesia is usually planted in September, the flower buds start to differentiate around the beginning of November, and complete differentiation by the end of November. The plant enters a natural dormant period after the leaves gradually wither in May of the following year.
The above sharing about the flowering period of Freesia and the introduction of its characteristics is for reference by green plant enthusiasts, hoping to solve your problems in green plant management.